Google Pixel Phones Get Major GPU Boost with GameHub Support.

Key Takeaway.

• Pixel phones now support GameHub with improved Mali GPU performance.
• Google’s updates boost GPU power by up to 60%, improving gaming and graphics.

GameSir, the company behind the GameHub PC game emulation platform, has confirmed that its latest update now supports Mali GPUs, including those used in Google Pixel devices. This support brings better performance in game emulation, especially for high-end titles, even though the feature was originally aimed at MediaTek-powered phones.

At the same time, Google's own updates to Pixel phones have quietly delivered a huge leap in GPU performance. Benchmarks show a boost of up to 60% on some Pixel models, including the Pixel 7a, Pixel 6a, and Pixel 8.

GameHub Now Enhances Pixel Gaming.

GameSir’s GameHub app allows Android phones to emulate PC games, and it now runs better on Pixel devices. According to the company, the new update optimizes Mali GPU performance using MediaTek’s GPU driver enhancements, and this extends to Pixel phones that use the same GPU family. Although no Pixel model uses a MediaTek chip, they still use Mali GPUs built into Google’s custom Tensor processors, which benefit from these changes.

With this update, Pixel users can expect smoother gameplay, better frame rates, and improved emulation experiences in demanding games.

Pixel Phones Quietly Get Driver-Based Performance Boost.

In addition to GameHub support, Google has been pushing GPU driver updates that dramatically improve performance. For example:

• Pixel 7a: ~62% improvement in GPU benchmark scores
• Pixel 8: ~32% increase
• Pixel 6a: ~23% boost

These improvements were delivered via software updates, not hardware changes, showing how powerful optimization can be. Users have reported noticeable improvements in real-world games like Fortnite and Genshin Impact, where higher frame rates and more stable gameplay are being observed.

However, it’s worth noting that future Pixel models like the rumored Pixel 10 may use a different GPU (from Imagination), which may not benefit from these changes.

Chromebooks Get Closer to Linux with New Terminal Feature for Graphical Apps.

Key Takeaway.

• Google is testing a new glaunch command that lets Chromebook users start graphical Linux apps directly from the Terminal.
• This feature simplifies the Linux app experience on ChromeOS and could become a game-changer for developers and power users.

Google is quietly testing a powerful update for ChromeOS that could reshape how developers and Linux enthusiasts use Chromebooks. A new terminal command, glaunch, is being introduced to let users run graphical Linux applications directly from the Linux Terminal, marking a big step forward for Crostini, the built-in Linux environment on ChromeOS.

What’s New with glaunch?

Until now, using Linux apps on ChromeOS required navigating through app drawers or setting up complex launch commands. With glaunch, users can start Linux-based graphical apps like GIMP or Inkscape directly from the Terminal, making the experience faster and more intuitive.

For example, typing glaunch gimp in the Terminal would launch GIMP with its full graphical user interface, just as if you opened it from the system menu. This is especially useful for developers, creators, and power users who rely heavily on Terminal workflows.

How to Use It (Step-by-Step Guide)

Here’s how to test the new feature if you’re on a supported Chromebook:

Step 1: Enable the Linux Environment

• Go to Settings > Developers > Turn on Linux development environment.
• Follow the prompts to install Crostini.

Step 2: Install a Graphical Linux App

Open Terminal and update packages:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Install a GUI app like GIMP:

sudo apt install gimp

Step 3: Launch the App Using glaunch.

glaunch gimp

If your app supports a GUI and you have the right permissions, the application should open immediately.

This feature is particularly valuable for developers who often test open-source Linux apps, educators using scientific software, and students learning code or design. It lowers the entry barrier for using full-fledged Linux programs within the lightweight Chromebook ecosystem.

Currently, glaunch is only available in the Canary channel of ChromeOS, which is reserved for experimental features. There’s no official timeline for its stable release, but its appearance suggests it may soon be part of ChromeOS’s mainstream Linux experience.

Google Workspace Account Security with Passkeys and Device-Bound Credentials.

Credit: Google

Key Takeaway.

• DBSC binds session cookies to the user’s device, making stolen cookies unusable on other devices, even if credentials are compromised.
• Google recommends enabling DBSC with passkeys and context-aware access to safeguard enterprise accounts from phishing and cookie-based attacks.

Google Workspace has introduced a new security layer called Device Bound Session Credentials (DBSC) to help prevent attackers from hijacking accounts using stolen session cookies. The feature is now available in beta for Chrome users on Windows and is part of Google’s effort to strengthen enterprise account security.

How DBSC Enhances Session Security.

DBSC ties session cookies to the specific device used during authentication. When a user logs in, Chrome generates a unique public/private key pair—ideally stored in a Trusted Platform Module (TPM)—and binds the session cookie to this key. This means that stolen cookies cannot be reused from another device, significantly reducing the risk of remote account takeovers.

Google says this approach helps block malware-based attacks that steal session tokens after login, including those that bypass multi-factor authentication (MFA). By binding sessions to devices, attackers lose the value of exfiltrated cookies unless they have full access to the original hardware.

Session cookie theft has become a major threat, especially when targeted at enterprise users or high-profile accounts. Attackers use malware, malicious browser extensions, or man-in-the-middle phishing tools to capture authentication tokens, then reuse them to access services like Gmail, Google Drive, or Microsoft 365 without needing passwords or MFA codes.

By rolling out DBSC, Google is responding to a surge in token theft attacks observed in 2025. The feature aims to reduce account compromise even when login credentials are stolen.

How to Enable and What It Requires.

Workspace administrators can enable DBSC for their organization through Chrome policies or settings. The feature is currently supported on Chrome for Windows operating systems where TPM capabilities are available. Google also recommends combining DBSC with passkeys and context-aware access (CAA) to further reinforce its effect.

As Google rolls out broader support for DBSC, identity platforms like Okta and other browsers, including Microsoft Edge, have expressed interest in participating. Google is also working on open web standards to promote widespread adoption.

Looking Ahead

DBSC represents a shift in how session security is managed. Traditional cookie-based authentication, even when hardened with MFA, remains vulnerable if cookie theft occurs after login. With DBSC, even if attackers steal authentication tokens, they cannot exploit them from another device.

Google plans to extend DBSC to more platforms in the future and advance threat detection via its Shared Signals Framework (SSF), allowing security tools and identity providers to share risk signals in near-real time.

Google Tests AI-Powered Icon Theming for Pixel Phones.

Key Takeaway.

• Pixel phones are gaining AI-powered icon theming that can unify app icons even when developers haven’t added monochrome support.
• A new “Create” option suggests users will be able to manually design custom styles, potentially including icon shapes and color variations.

Google is planning to enhance Pixel phone customization with a new feature that lets users create custom AI-powered app icon themes. The code discovered in the latest Android Canary build suggests that Pixel users may soon have more flexible styling options beyond the current themed icons.

In the Wallpaper & Style app for Pixel phones, hidden strings now reference four distinct icon style choices: Default, Minimal, AI icon, and Create. Currently, the "Minimal" style applies monochromatic-themed icons to supported apps. The upcoming “AI icon” option appears to automatically generate styled versions for apps that lack support, while “Create” likely offers a manual customization tool.

These changes aim to fix the inconsistent look of Android’s current themed icons feature, which only works with apps providing monochrome icons. The AI-powered theme could apply cohesive styling across all apps, even those without native support. 

Pixel launchers have long lacked built-in icon customization. Users currently rely on third-party launchers or manual shortcuts to style their home screens. With AI-generated themes and design tools integrated into the stock launcher, Pixel users can achieve unified aesthetics without leaving Google’s ecosystem.

The potential for user-created icon sets also expands customization possibilities. Users might choose shapes, color accents, or editing features, similar to Android’s wallpaper customization and soon-to-return icon shape options introduced in Android 16 Beta.

At this stage, the feature is only visible in specialized Canary builds. There is no official timeline from Google, and activation isn’t available via app settings. Given the early stage, this could arrive with Android 16’s Material 3 Expressive redesign, which is expected mid‑2025.

Google Brings Live Camera Input Into Search AI Mode.

Google has officially rolled out Search Live, a major enhancement to its AI Mode that lets users interact with Google Search using live camera input. This update allows users to point their Android device camera at objects and speak their questions, while the AI responds in real-time fusion of visual and voice interaction, designed to enrich search experiences.

What is Search Live, and how does it work?

Search Live builds on Project Astra’s live capabilities and integrates into Google’s AI Mode interface within the official Google app. Once enabled in Search Labs, users will see a new Live button in AI Mode at the top or bottom right. Tapping it opens a live camera viewfinder. In this mode, users can ask questions about what the camera sees, such as food ingredients, plants, and street signs, and receive detailed, contextual responses alongside relevant links, videos, and summaries.

The interface also adapts visually when active. Google’s signature colored arc dips down during AI responses, and integrated options let users mute the microphone or view transcripts without interrupting the conversation.

Search Live echoes the capabilities of Gemini Live, which previously supported voice and screen sharing. The new feature takes that experience directly into Search, weaving together Lens and generative AI to create a seamless multimodal tool.

Search Live Feature is Useful.

Search Live represents a new level of interactivity in everyday search behavior. Instead of typing or tapping into apps, users can now ask questions about their environment and receive AI responses based on what they see. This opens possibilities for real-time assistance—such as meal prep help, plant care tips, translation of signage, or even product lookups in stores.

Because the feature works within Search’s AI Mode, it benefits from Google’s query fan‑out system. That means it can cross-reference multiple data sources and generate concise answers with links to sources—all while keeping the interaction in a conversational format. 

Availability of the Search Live Feature.

Search Live is currently rolling out to users enrolled in Search Labs in the U.S. Users on recent Google app versions, specifically 16.28 (stable) or 16.29 (beta) on Android, have already reported seeing the Live icon and viewfinder during AI Mode sessions. The search bar or AI Mode interface adapts on the fly to include the Live camera option.

Google may expand the feature globally over time. Because it is managed server-side, users may need to wait a few days or restart the app to see the option, even if they meet the version requirements.

AI-Powered Weather Forecasts is Now Available on Pixel 8 and 8a.

Key Takeaway.

• Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a users with Gemini Nano can now access on-device AI Weather Reports previously exclusive to the Pixel 9 series.
• The AI-powered summary offers a clear, conversational overview of weather patterns and alerts, improving usability and speed.

The Weather App is something that we use almost every day Play Store has tons of apps to choose from, but Pixel user has their own Weather App. Pixel users now have a reason to look forward to their weather app update. The AI Weather Report, once exclusive to the Pixel 9 series, is now appearing on Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a phones equipped with Gemini Nano. 

Previously, only Pixel 9 and newer devices received on-device AI weather forecasting. Now, users in multiple regions, including Australia and the U.S., are seeing the feature activate on Pixel 8 and 8a devices. These reports confirm that the AI Weather model automatically updates via AICore in the device’s developer settings. Once enabled, users receive an AI-generated summary of current and upcoming weather conditions within the Pixel Weather app. That summary appears above the hourly and 10‑day forecast sections.

To access this feature, users may need to enable Gemini Nano via Developer Options and allow the latest Nano model to download. Then, launching Pixel Weather may trigger the AI Weather Report to appear automatically.

What the AI Weather Report Offers

The AI Weather Report provides a concise, insightful overview that goes beyond simple data. It highlights notable details such as changing precipitation, upcoming temperature shifts, or weather alerts, all written in natural, easy-to-read language. While the full forecast features like maps and pollen counts remain unchanged, this new summary helps users quickly grasp the day ahead without sifting through numbers.

Expansion of AI in All Possible Directions.

AI Forecasts on older Pixels mean more users can benefit from Google’s evolving on-device AI capabilities. Loading the model locally ensures faster responses and greater privacy since raw data doesn’t need to be processed remotely.

This rollout reflects Google’s ongoing strategy to extend AI-first features to devices like the Pixel 8 through lightweight on-device models like Gemini Nano. It highlights how Google is turning generative AI into everyday tools on consumer devices.

The feature is deploying gradually via server-side updates. It requires the Pixel Weather app and an enabled Gemini Nano installation. Users in the U.S., Australia, and elsewhere have reported seeing the AI summary over the past week. Since it is not tied to a standard app update, the feature might take a few days to reach everyone, even on eligible devices.

Google Pixel Reclaims Top Four Spot in U.S. Phone Market.

Key Takeaway.

• Pixel has reclaimed its spot among the top four smartphone brands in the U.S., overtaking TCL thanks to rising demand for new devices and stronger market distribution.
• Despite a limited global share, Google’s Pixel brand is gaining traction in North America and premium segments by emphasizing AI, design cohesion, and software longevity.

Google Pixel has officially reentered the top four smartphone brands in the United States. According to the latest update, Pixel’s share in the U.S. market edged ahead of TCL during the second quarter of 2025, thanks to consistent growth in shipments and demand for its latest models.

Steady Growth Pays Off for Pixel.

After years of hovering below major manufacturers, Pixel now holds a strong position in the U.S. smartphone rankings. In 2023, IDC estimated that Pixel held about 4.6% of the U.S. market, slightly above TCL’s 4.2% share. That put Google in fourth place, behind Apple, Samsung, and Motorola. In Q2 2025, Pixel’s consistent growth allowed it to overtake TCL for good.

Much of Pixel’s momentum stems from the success of flagship models like the Pixel 9 and Pixel 10, as well as strategic pricing and promotional efforts. Manufacturing investments in India and stronger distribution have also helped expand Pixel’s presence in both urban and suburban markets.

While Pixel enjoys this milestone in the U.S., its global share remains modest. Samsung and Apple continue to dominate worldwide phone shipments, holding nearly 20% each according to IDC and other analysts. Xiaomi and vivo trail behind, capturing between 9% and 14% of global shipments, depending on the report.

Within North America, Pixel’s growth is more notable. In Canada, Pixel's market share reportedly climbed from 6.5% in late 2024 to around 8% in mid-2025, indicating growing regional acceptance.

How Pixel’s Growth Matters to Google?

Google’s return to the top four signifies recovering strength in its hardware strategy. A meaningful increase in market share shows that timely product innovation, AI integration, and extended software support are resonating with users. Pixel continues positioning itself as a premium alternative to Samsung and Apple in the Android ecosystem.

Furthermore, surpassing TCL reflects Google’s ability to outpace a competitor that once had a larger presence in budget segments. It suggests Google is moving beyond a niche player to becoming a more visible contender in the U.S. phone market.

With Pixel now in the top four in the U.S., attention turns to whether this growth can be sustained. Google’s upcoming Pixel 10 series, stronger retail partnerships, and AI-driven features across devices like Pixel Watch and Buds could further enhance home ecosystem appeal.

The company’s continued push into fast-growing markets like India, where shipments already increased significantly in 2024, will also be key to future gains.